Faq

Click on the question to see the answer.

  • What are the physical changes to the vehicle now that it's a Chevrolet?

    The only changes that have impacted the Corsa Utility are those parts where the badge has changed. They are listed below, and visuals of the changes are available to view here.

    • Front grille with gold Chevrolet bowtie in chrome ring
    • Rear tailgate badge with gold Chevrolet bowtie
    • Wheel centre cap with Chevrolet bowtie
    • Steering wheel pad with Chevrolet bowtie
    • Engine badge with Chevrolet
  • What will happen to the resale value of my Opel Corsa Utility?

    Over 150,000 Opel Corsa Utility's have been sold in the SA market. The fact that the Corsa Utility has been market leader for five consecutive years, the proven quality and reliability proven by various 2009 Synovate awards, together with GMSA's Total Confidence package launched in 2009, all add-up to a vehicle that will continue to be sought after by the market. This high demand will drive stability in the resale value.

  • What will happen to Opel? Is this part of the plan to phase Opel out of South Africa?

    Opel continues to occupy an important part of our product portfolio, and we will continue to look for opportunities to introduce exciting new Opel products to market.

  • What Opel products will you sell in South Africa in the future?

    We currently sell the Opel Astra, Corsa, Combo van and Vivaro bus and van. We will continue to sell these products as long as we are able to bring them to market at competitive price points within their respective segments. Additionally, we will continue to investigate other opportunities to introduce new products to market.

  • Why all this focus on Chevrolet?

    As one of GM's global brands, Chevrolet's product portfolio offering will continue to strengthen in the future. The Chevrolet Aveo is currently GM's top selling passenger vehicle in the world; last year GM sold almost 72 000 Chevrolet vehicles in Africa of which 30 092 were Aveo's, and the Cruze 1.8 LS was voted a 2009 Car of the Year finalist in South Africa and was also nominated as finalist in the World Car of the Year competition

  • If you look back at your history, you were building Chevrolets and then they became Opels and now you are building Chevrolet again. Why do you keep changing your brand strategy?

    As the South African market environment has changed over time, General Motors has adjusted its strategies appropriately. At the time the Corsa Utility was launched, Chevrolet was not part of our brand portfolio offering. However, nearly a decade has passed since that time, and it is now clear that Chevrolet is central to GM's plans in this and every market in which GM has a presence. As our fastest growing and largest global brand, Chevrolet is here to stay. The Chevrolet Aveo for example is GM's best selling passenger vehicle in the world.

  • What were the company's motives for changing the brand on the Corsa Utility? Why mess with the most successful product in your line-up?

    South Africa is the only country which sells the Corsa Utility under the Opel brand. As Chevrolet is one of GM's core brands, it makes sense for us align ourselves with GM's global Chevrolet strategy.

    Earlier this year we conducted research among customers to test their reaction to the badge change. The feedback was that the badge change would not affect their perception of the vehicle as long as the vehicle was still a true Corsa Utility. And it is - we are building the same vehicle in our factory, in line with the same high quality standards that our customers have become accustomed to.

  • Have you conducted research among consumers to test their reaction to the badge change?

    Extensive research has been conducted on a national basis among both current and potential owners. Respondents have indicated that as long as the bakkie remains as it is, with the same great looks, the same great features, the same great value - the badge would not change the way they feel about the vehicle.

  • Will any new features be incorporated into the Chevrolet Corsa Utility?

    There are currently no plans to introduce new features/specifications, however, there will be a new model added to the range - the 1.4 A/C. The reason for adding this model is to ensure that we offer our customers an option where they can get just want they need (A/C) without having to pay for some of the other standard equipment found in the Club model.

  • Will the brand change impact upon the current pricing of the Corsa Utility?

    It is important that we retain the great value philosophy as part of our Chevrolet brand offering. There will therefore be no pricing impact as we change the brand on the vehicle. Current pricing starts at R107600 for a 1.4 Corsa Utility model.

  • When will the Corsa Utility, badged as a Chevrolet, be available in dealer showrooms?

    Our plans are on track for the first Chevrolet Corsa Utility vehicles to be available from the first week of May.

  • What is GMSA doing to protect the image of the Corsa Utility locally?

    Extensive research has been conducted on a national basis with both current and potential owners and it is remarkable how the same response has become evident. As long as the bakkie remains as it is, with the same great looks, the same great features, the same great value - the badge on the front should not influence the purchasing decisions of customers.

    The badge change also provides GMSA and the Chevrolet brand an opportunity to make it that much more - to take ownership to a new level and put that much vaunted global Chevrolet pride into the SA market.